So, when it comes to composite deking there are two distinct variants. The solid profiles and the hollow profiles.
Hollow Profiles
Hollow Composite are the most common and traditional composite materials because they take less material and are easier to produce. They are of lighter weight and are thus more suitable for applications such as terraces and rooftops.
The biggest downside to having a hollow profile is that it loses some structural integrity since it’s not as much mass. If water ever got trapped within the planks then that water might freeze and break the boards. So they aren’t really suitable for wet or marine applications. And they are generally recommended to be built with a slope so that water naturally drains from the surface and inside of the planks.
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Benefits and Disadvantages of hollow composite.
Benefits:
• Less Weight
• Easier to work with
• Lower price
Disadvantages:
• Not suited for Wet or marine areas.
• Needs more subframe
• Not as attractive edges so higher need for endcaps or fascia boards.
Solid Profiles
Solid Composite is the bigger brother of Hollow composite so to speak. They weigh more which means that they are not as suited to be installed in areas where the weight is key such as balconies. They are a bit sturdier meaning they can be installed with a bigger c/c distance and are very suitable for wet areas such as around the pool or near bodies of water.
Since they have more mass they tend to expand and contract slightly more due to temperature changes They can also withstand more weight since they are solid but this also means
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Benefits and Disadvantages of Massive composite.
Benefits:
• Higher durability
• Higher load capacity
• Doesn’t need as large of a subframe
• Can’t be filled with water
• Suitable for marine and wet applications
Disadvantages:
• Weight can be a problem while transporting or constructing
• Generally higher transport and production cost
• Higher price
Read more: Wood or Composite decks?
Read more: What you need to build a deck with composite decking
